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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Dec 1990

Vol. 403 No. 10

Written Answers. - Dublin EC Cultural Capital.

Dick Spring

Question:

133 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Education (a) the funds, (b) the resources and (c) the ideas or other supports she plans to contribute towards the effort of Dublin as the European Community cultural capital for 1991; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

My Department at my initiative is planning a programme of appropriate activities and events to celebrate the fact that Dublin will be the European Community's cultural capital in 1991. The planned activities and events will be focused mainly towards school children.

At this stage, because of the diverse range of activities currently being considered, it is not possible to state the total cost to my Department but I am confident that the resources and funding at my disposal will be adequate to meet the needs of approved programme.

Measures will be taken to encourage school authorities and teachers to make special efforts to provide special opportunities for all their pupils in 1991 to develop a greater appreciation, a greater awareness and a better knowledge of the rich cultural heritage of Dublin, its past and present contributions to many cultural activities including those in art, architecture, literature and the performing arts — music, drama, dance etc. — and its historic sites, museums, art galleries, etc.

Included in the draft programme currently being planned by my Department to stimulate and encourage creative activities on the part of school children to mark the occasion are essay and art competitions. It is also proposed to organise a number of cultural activities including an exhibition of European primary school children's art which will display 25 pictures from each of the 12 EC countries, a conference on art education, musical presentations, etc.

It is my intention that my Department will work in close association and co-operate with educational institutions, cultural and other agencies and interest groups in ensuring that schools will have access to documentation on Dublin's origins and its cultural heritage, traditions and treasures.

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